SOLUTION - Not only lose weight, but reduce your carbohydrate and sugar load to reduce spikes in blood sugar and insulin release. This means if you have the genes that create the risk for metabolic syndrome you need a strict low glycemic diet (you likely have the genes if you have that middle-aged paunch, muffin top, or belly). This means no sodas, no added sugar, limited whole grains, no caffeine (it will spike your blood sugar), no fruit drinks, no baked goods, etc... Some low glycemic diet sites: Zone , Atkins, South Beach.

3. Trauma

Injuring the cartilage surface in a sudden traumatic event can lead to a weak spot in the cartilage that can cause that area to break down easier with normal forces. Think of a strong fabric with a rent. The damage may be small, but the fabric will wear faster due to the rent.

7. Hormonal changes

The most important hormone related to cartilage breakdown is Leptin. Leptin is the hormonal switch that tells you when you're full. In patients who chronically overeat (usually due to the right genes combined with a sugary or carbohydrate loaded diet-see Metabolic syndrome above) too much Leptin is produced. The body looses it's sensitivity to Leptin and a Metabolic syndrome sets in. Lack of response to Leptin has been associated with more arthritis.

SOLUTION - See above for Metabolic syndrome, also eat smaller portions. You can reset your Leptin switch to better turn off your impulse to eat with a fast or steep reduction in food intake for day or two.

SOLUTION - If you have cartilage loss, switching from high impact to mid or low impact activities may help protect your existing cartilage. If you have normal joints, keep running, it seems to help protect joints from damage.

9. Poor alignment and biomechanics

We all accept the idea that if our car alignment is off, our car's tires will wear unevenly. The same laws of physics apply to the human body. If you have asymmetrical cartilage loss (i.e. one knee and not the other), you may have a body alignment problem that's wearing down certain joints faster.

Christopher J. Centeno, M.D. is an international expert and specialist in regenerative medicine and the clinical use of mesenchymal stem cells in orthopedics. He is board certified in physical medicine as well as rehabilitation and in pain management through The American Board of Physical Medicin ...

*DISCLAIMER: Like all medical procedures, Regenexx® Procedures have a success and failure rate. Patient reviews and testimonials on this site should not be interpreted as a statement on the effectiveness of our treatments for anyone else.